Some categories of industrial activity can result in raw materials or industrial products becoming exposed to the weather. The resulting runoff can pick up pollutants and transport them to a nearby storm sewer system or directly to a river, lake, or coastal water. To minimize the impact of stormwater discharges from these facilities, the NPDES program includes an industrial stormwater permitting component.

Oils and grease are known to be toxic to aquatic organisms in relatively low concentrations.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issues two different types of NPDES industrial stormwater permits, Multi-Sector Generic and Individual. Most industrial activities requiring an NPDES stormwater permit will qualify for the generic permit, but the NPDES regulations also give FDEP the authority to require coverage under an individual NPDES permit with requirements specific to a facility; an individual permit can require numerical limits and more frequent monitoring and reporting. All permittees are required to have a certified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SP3) in place and on-site, and to regularly submit Discharge Monitoring Reports.

The specifics of Sarasota County NPDES permitting requirements for Sites of Industrial Activity are spelled out in Section 54-187(g)(2) of the County's Water Pollution Control Code ordinance. More information about the FDEP industrial permitting program, including necessary forms and guidance publications, may be found on FDEP's website.